TrainOwed vs Claiming Directly from Your Operator
You can always claim train delay compensation directly from your operator — it is free and you keep 100% of the payout. But operators reject significantly more self-filed claims, and many passengers give up after a first rejection. TrainOwed handles the entire process, including disputes, at no upfront cost.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TrainOwed | Claiming Directly |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 25% of payout, only if successful | Free |
| Rejection rate | Low — contested claims handled at no extra cost | Higher — no support for rejected claims |
| Time required | 5 minutes to submit your claim | 30-60 minutes per claim + follow-up |
| Dispute resolution | Included | You handle it yourself |
| Success rate | Higher — specialist knowledge of operator policies | Lower — operators reject borderline claims more often |
| Language barrier | None — TrainOwed communicates in the operator's language | You may need to communicate in German, French, Italian |
| Upfront cost | Zero — no win, no fee | Zero |
Verdict
If your claim is straightforward and you have time to manage it, claiming directly is worth trying — you keep 100% of the payout. If your claim was rejected, involves a cross-border journey, or you do not speak the operator's language, TrainOwed's 25% fee is worth it to get a result you would otherwise have missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to claim train compensation directly or use a service?▾
For simple domestic claims, claiming directly is free and worth trying first. For cross-border claims, rejected claims, or where you do not speak the operator's language, a specialist service like TrainOwed increases your success rate significantly.
What percentage does TrainOwed keep?▾
TrainOwed keeps 25% of the compensation payout. You receive 75%. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.
Can I use TrainOwed after a direct claim is rejected?▾
Yes. TrainOwed handles dispute escalation, including claims that were initially rejected by the operator. Many rejected claims are overturned on appeal.
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